Twenty (20) suspected illegal miners have been arrested at Abirem in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
Two (2) out of the twenty (20) are Chinese nationals, Graphic Online reports.
The miners were arrested at mining sites in Abirem Roman Missionary House Down by the Abirem anti-illegal mining taskforce last Saturday, October 12.
The taskforce seized two excavators, mining equipment, and two pumping machines from the site.
The operation follows a confrontation between the local youth and the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Birem North, Raymond Nana Damptey last Saturday.
The youth had resisted the entry of two low-bed trucks transporting excavators into the community.
Head of the task force, Eric Gyataba who confirmed the arrest, expressed frustration over the interference by local authorities in their efforts to combat illegal mining.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
